Smith, Geoffrey Charles Chapman

Date of birth:: February 3rd, 1919 (Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia)
Date of death:: February 5th, 1986 (New South Wales, Sydney, Balgowlah Heights, Australia)
Service number:: 424847
Nationality:: Australian

Biography

Smith arrived in the United Kingdom on 1 August 1943. Smith serves as a gunner with the 625 Sq Bomber Command in Kelston. Smith volunteers with the Pathfinder Force and is assigned to 156 Sq. Although normally Mid Upper Gunner, he is assigned as a tail gunner for a mission to Berlin on February 15, 1944. When they have almost reached their goal, Smith's Lancaster is attacked by an ME110 and an FW190. Smith manages to take down one hunter. In this action he is seriously injured in his leg. His leg is amputated after returning.

For this action, Smith receives the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (flying) and the Polish Cross of Military Merit. Smith received the CGM at Buckingham Palace on 12 June 1944 by King George VI.

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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Sergeant
Unit:: No. 156 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: March 7th, 1944

Citation:
"This airman was the rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack Berlin one night in February, 1944. When nearing the target, Flight Sergeant Smith reported a fighter coming in to attack. As evading action was being taken the bomber was hit by cannon and machine gun fire from the enemy aircraft. Flight Sergeant Smith was hit by a bullet which shattered the lower part of his right leg and foot. The hydraulic gear had been damaged and his turret was rendered unserviceable.
Although suffering intensely and in a dazed condition, Flight Sergeant Smith refused assistance and insisted on remaining at his post to manipulate his turret manually until the enemy coast was crossed. In most distressing circumstances, this gallant airman, whose leg has since been amputated, displayed courage and fortitude of a high order. His determination to defend his aircraft until the enemy coast was crossed set a magnificent example."